God’s Grace and Provision Through the North Central Foundation
By God’s grace and provision, the North Central Foundation continues to be a bright spot in the NCD’s ministry! We are thankful for your participation in many ways, and want to give you an update on what’s happening. Overall Foundation Activity Since inception in...
Persecution of Christians
November 1st is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Each week I hear of new threats, killings, or areas where Christians are no longer safe to live or to worship. Here are some recent stats: 19,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in the...
Teaching the Intent of the Text by Randy Widbin
Randy Widbin Pathways Facilitator with ReachGlobal All of us have experienced those awkward moments when we have been in a group Bible study only to have someone ask a question like, “So, what does this passage mean to you?” Or we have been at that graduation...
Fall Missions Assessment
Fall is an important time for most churches. The transition from summer programing to the school year brings a number of changes with it. The transition is also a good time to think through what missions looks like at our churches. Here are some areas to consider:...
Pastor, Your Health is Not Separate from Your Calling
Over the past six months, I transitioned from my position at Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and began serving as the Church Planting and Leadership Development Director with the North Central District. The desire that motivated this change was to go deeper, not...
Summertime Purity by Paul Klassen
In Minnesota, summer isn’t only a completely different season, but it’s a completely different frame of mind. Because we’re able to enjoy the outdoors on a consistent basis, we adjust our schedules and wardrobe accordingly, and with great glee! For some of us, though,...
How God Trained a Moose
As I retire from my NCD ministry the end of this month, I want to thank our God for the privilege of serving our Lord Jesus Christ together with all of you. You have given me the opportunity to walk with you and work together to advance Christ’s Kingdom. Thank you for...
Rhythms of Resilience
The more I read the Scriptures, the more convinced I become that a faithful and fruitful Christian life over the long haul—whether in ministry, work, family life, or general Christian discipleship—is sustained by rhythms that God himself has built into creation. These...
Ministry Sabaticals
This summer, my wife Sasha and I have the privilege of serving on the Renew Team for two of our ReachGlobal missionary friends. “Renew” is the ReachGlobal term for ministry sabbatical. Most missionaries serve overseas for a period, and then come back on home...
2026 District Conference Recap
The 2026 North Central District Annual Conference was hosted by New Hope Church April 13 & 14. The many volunteers and staff at New Hope created a tremendously welcoming environment for our record-breaking attendance crowd. Their team ensured that the 465...